Sample Shots

Finally here're some sample shots taken with the K10D and RAW-converter via CaptureOne v4.5.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the originals are FULL SIZE samples
(=several megabytes) thus requiring a significant amount of bandwidth so please take care of the limited resources here.

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

23.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/9.0 @ 1/400s

Size

3872x2592

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

70.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/4.0 @ 1/160s

Size

2592x3872

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

30.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/9.0 @ 1/50s

Size

2592x3872

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

17.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/8.0 @ 1/500s

Size

3872x2592

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

17.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/8.0 @ 1/800s

Size

3872x2592

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

63.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/4.0 @ 1/2500s

Size

3872x2592

Verdict

The Pentax DA SMC 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM is undoubtedly the most desirable standard zoom lens in the current Pentax lens lineup. The resolution characteristic is very good without any significant weakness. The vignetting and distortion are about average for a lens in this class. The lateral CAs are relatively well-controlled although you may spot some traces in field conditions when using wide-angle settings. The quality of the bokeh (out-of-focus blur) seems to be very fine albeit limited compared to fast prime lenses naturally. Contra-light situations are handled fairly well with comparatively underdeveloped ghosting problems. Typical for most Pentax DA lenses the build quality is on a very high level. The fast and near-silent ultrasonic AF is also a very welcome new feature. All-in-all a very harmonious package selling for a very fair price of around 480€/US$.